In a significant and sombre announcement, the Tech Talent Charter, a cornerstone organisation in promoting diversity within the UK tech sector, revealed it will cease operations at the end of the month (June 2024). Founded in 2015, the Tech Talent Charter (TTC) was instrumental in driving substantial improvements in gender representation and overall diversity within the tech industry. As the organisation prepares to close its doors, it leaves behind a legacy of progress and a call to action for the future.
The Tech Talent Charter’s Journey
When the TTC was established, women held fewer than 15% of tech roles across the country, and comprehensive diversity data was scarce. The founders of TTC recognised the pressing need to bridge the growing gap between the demand for tech skills and the underrepresentation of diverse talent in the sector. The TTC’s mission was to reflect the true diversity of society within the IT industry, ensuring its success and longevity by attracting, retaining, and developing a diverse talent pool.
To achieve this, the TTC focused on collaboration over competition, building a community of industry leaders to share insights and trends and amplify the conversation around diversity and inclusion (D&I). This approach led to significant strides over the past nine years, with the percentage of tech roles held by women in the UK doubling to just over a quarter, and approximately 29% among the TTC signatories.
Challenges and the Decision to Close
Despite the progress, the TTC has noted a troubling shift in industry priorities. Economic, political, and social pressures have led many organisations to deprioritise their D&I strategies, with some “quiet-quitting” their commitments. Reports from TTC networks indicate that D&I initiatives are increasingly being sidelined in favour of other business goals, with D&I specialists facing dismantled teams and reduced support.
In this challenging environment, the Board of Directors made the difficult decision to dissolve the organisation. This decision aims to highlight the need for renewed focus and greater commitment to D&I initiatives across the industry.
Legacy and Impact of the Tech Talent Charter
Since its inception, the TTC has achieved remarkable milestones:
- Community Building: The TTC has built a vibrant community of thousands of D&I professionals and over 800 tech employers, representing nearly a quarter of a million tech workers. Women in Tech has been a signatory of the TTC since its inception in 2017.
- Knowledge Sharing: Through virtual and physical events, partnerships, podcasts, and the Open Playbook of Best Practice, the TTC has convened and connected individuals and organisations to foster progress.
- Data and Insights: The TTC’s annual Diversity in Tech reports have provided crucial data and insights, helping organisations understand and improve their diversity efforts.
- Accessible Resources: All TTC resources have been freely available to the public, enabling organisations to learn from each other and collectively enhance the industry’s inclusivity.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
The closure of the TTC marks a pivotal moment for the tech industry. While the organisation will no longer be operational, its mission and values must continue to guide the sector. Companies must renew their focus on D&I, not just as a moral imperative but as a business necessity. A diverse and inclusive workforce is essential for innovation and resilience in an increasingly complex global market.
Sinead Bunting, co-founder of the TTC said:
“The TTC initiative has shown what can be achieved when people join together and work collectively to drive positive and vital change. The pendulum of progress often swings back, but I am hopeful that the principle that underpinned the creation of the TTC – that a diverse tech workforce brings benefits to everyone – will continue to drive much needed momentum.”
Industry stakeholders, including companies, government bodies, and advocacy groups, must collaborate to ensure that D&I remains a top priority. Sustainable funding models and robust support systems for D&I initiatives are critical to maintaining and advancing the progress made by the TTC.
Employers still have options to proceed on their D&I journey by partnering with organisations like Women in Tech. Find out more about partnerships at Women in Tech here.
As the Tech Talent Charter closes its doors, the tech industry faces a crucial juncture. The TTC’s legacy of progress and its emphasis on collaboration and actionable steps provide a roadmap for the future. By recommitting to the principles of diversity and inclusion, the tech sector can continue to evolve and thrive, reflecting the true diversity of society and ensuring long-term success. The challenge now lies in building on the foundation laid by the TTC and driving forward with renewed vigour and determination.
